Lock seal

ABSTRACT

Seal preferably intended to be used for door locks on motor vehicles. The seal comprises an annular base part, an annular combined sealing surface made up of a first part surface and a second part surface which intersect at an intersection region at an angle β, and an annular flexible element connecting the base part with the combined sealing surface. The seal is arranged such that, for example, when a vehicle door to which the lock is fitted is in a non-sealing position, the first part surface of the combined sealing surface forms an angle α in relation to a plane A--A which is parallel to the part of the door which is to be sealed. When the door is closed, the second part surface of the combined sealing surface is acted upon by a region of the door to thereby cause the first part surface of the combined sealing surface to adopt a position substantially parallel to the plane A--A such that an annular area of the surfaces on the part of the door is sealingly enclosed by said combined sealing surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a seal preferably intended to be usedfor door locks on motor vehicles, i.e. a seal for sealing in apredetermined position of, and between, surfaces on two parts which aremoveable in relation to each other, with the seal being mounted on oneof said parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the modern type of "flush locks", penetration of water and dirtoccurs more easily than with the old two-component type of locks (aninner lock and an outer lock). Today's locks also contain moreelectronics than the earlier ones which increases the need for effectivesealing. Automatic car washes using high pressure are becoming more andmore frequent which also increases the risk of water penetration, whichresults in functional disturbances.

The problem is well-known and several solutions exist. DE-A-35 11 143,for example, shows a solution where a surrounding is used seal toprovide protection against penetration of water. This requires, however,a special shape of the surrounding seal and a complicated applicationmethod which undesirable.

Another German patent specification, DE-C-37 13 558, shows that theabove mentioned disadvantages have been identified to a certain extentand it is proposed here to have a seal which partly solves some of theseproblems. Thus, a seal is shown in this specification which isintegrated with the lock-hook of the lock and where the seal directlyseals against the door plate around the seal. The general problem hereis to obtain a good seal against a surface forming rear edge of thedoor, the plane of which is substantially parallel to the movementdirection at the moment of closing. The sealing of a space where twosurfaces are displaced parallelly is generally difficult. In the knownspecification two solutions have been proposed. The first consists ofarranging blade-shaped protruding seals at the lock hook, which areintended to co-operate with the rear door edge surfaces. Here it isintended that the flexibility and elasticity of these will provide asealing abutment around the lock after closing of the door. It is,however, evident that this solution gives rise to wear on the protrudingblade-shaped members. Thus, the life of such a sealing arrangement isvery limited. In addition, the risk exists that the seal becomes foldedat the moment of closing and will not come into its intended sealingposition.

The second solution variant solves the general first mentioned problemin another way. By arranging an extra element provided with flanges onthe door, the problem to seal against two parallelly running surfaces isavoided. Said flanges protrude transversely in relation to said plane ofthe surface and co-operate with corresponding sealing surfaces whichhave been arranged at the lock hook. As is said in the description thisrequires, however, a very exact adjustment or also an extremeover-dimensioning whereby i.a. severe wearing must be taken intoaccount. The adjusting requirement is not desirable, and neither is aquick wearing of the sealing element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a sealwhich eliminates the disadvantages identified above when sealing ofareas of the above-mentioned nature. Said object is attained by means ofa seal according to the present invention which is annular in shape andsealing surfaces of which can be displaced between a non-sealingposition and a sealing position responsive to relative movement of thetwo parts which carry the surfaces to be sealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention shall be described further in the following by means of anembodiment example with reference to the attached drawings in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle on which a preferredembodiment of a seal according to the invention is arranged,

FIG. 2 shows a horizontal sectional view through a vehicle having anopen door at the marked section A--A in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows the same section as in FIG. 2, where the door has beenmoved to a closed position,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seal according to the inventionarranged in a preferred position of use,

FIG. 5 is a vertical view of the invention in a first plane,

FIG. 6 is a vertical view of the seal according to the invention in asecond plane, and

FIG. 7 is a horizontal section of an alternative embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle which is provided with a number of doors.On each of the doors 3 there is a lock arrangement 5, preferablycontaining electronic components. These electronic components are hereprotected by the seal 1 according to the invention which is provided onthe door pillar 2 of the vehicle. FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment ofthe seal 1 according to the invention arranged on a pillar 2 of avehicle. The door 3 is here shown in a partly opened position. A lockingarrangement 5 which needs to be protected against humidity is arrangedon the door 3. The lock arrangement 5 co-operates with a lock hook 4which is arranged on said pillar 2. The seal 1 is also arranged on thepillar 2 by means of this lock hook 4. The seal 1 consists of an annularbase part 10 which sealingly abuts against the pillar 2. This base part10 runs substantially along two portions of planes which aresubstantially perpendicular to each other. Further, the seal 1 consistsof an annular combined sealing surface made up of a first part surface11 and a second part surface 12, which combined sealing surface 11, 12is movable to some extent. A bellow-shaped flexible element 13 connectssaid combined sealing surface 11, 12 with said base part 10. To obtain areliable sealing against the pillar 2 the preferred embodiment showsthat the base part 10 has at its front edge a bent final part 19 whichshall guarantee sealing abutment in this area. At the other end of theseal there is co-operating therewith a first seal 6. This first seal 6is of a conventional type and co-operates with the lock seal by means ofa protruding lip 18 on the seal 1.

The seal 1 has in connection with said combined sealing surface 11, 12 asupporting element 14 which carries the combined sealing surface 11, 12.This supporting element 14 is relatively rigid and intended tosubstantially maintain its predetermined shape also under externalinfluence. Co-operating with said supporting element 14 is a hingingarrangement 15 about which the supporting element 14 and thereby alsothe combined sealing surface 11, 12 can pivot. A region of said combinedsealing surface 11, 12 corresponding to said second part surface 12forms a protruding part by the influence of which the seal can be madeto pivot about said hinging arrangement 15.

The hinging arrangement 15 consists in this preferred embodiment ofreinforcements 16 which extend transversely between extended parts alongthe base part 10 and a substantially common point 17 in the vicinity ofsaid supporting element 14. This common point 17 forms a pivot point forthe combined sealing surface of the seal 1. The reinforcements 16consist of transversely extending thickenings preferably made of thesame material which is used either in the supporting element 14 or thebellow 13. The reinforcements 16 are here integrated with the supportingelement 14.

The active part of the combined sealing surface 11, 12 is arranged intwo planes which are substantially perpendicular in relation to eachother and these planes are separated by an angle β which isapproximately 90°. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the seal in thispreferred embodiment has been arranged with certain tolerance and thataccordingly the reinforcement 16 in the closed door position may besomewhat compressed.

A first surface part 10' of the base part 10 is arranged on a partsurface 21 of the pillar 2, in a first plane A--A (which is not to beconfused with section A--A). This plane, A--A, is substantially parallelto the rear surface 31 of the door 3 that is to be sealed in the closedposition of the door.

The inherent elasticity of the seal 1 influences the seal to take up theposition shown in FIG. 2 when the seal 1 is not influenced by otherexternal forces. Thus, the first part surface 11 of the combined sealingsurface 11, 12 which is adjacent said part surface 21 of the pillar 2forms an angle α with the earlier mentioned plane A--A.

In FIG. 3 the seal 1 is shown in an influenced activated position. Thedoor 3 is in this position closed. The inner surface of the door 3 hashereby influenced the second part surface 12 of the combined sealingsurface 11, 12 which forms the protruding part and has moved this to theleft as shown in the drawing. The seal 1 has then pivoted about itspivot point 17. The angle β will remain substantially the same,approximately 90°, due to the relative rigidity of the supportingelement 14 carrying the combined sealing surface 11, 12. Thus, the firstpart surface 11 of the combined sealing surf ace 11, 12 is in sealingabutment against the rear surface 31 of the door 3. This part 11 of thecombined sealing surface is thereby also substantially parallel to theplane A--A.

The function of the seal is such that when the door 3 is swung intowards its closed position, the door will in a certain position contactthe second part surface 12 forming said protruding part of the annularcombined sealing surface 11, 12 of the seal 1 according to theinvention. A further displacement of the door towards its closedposition moves the protruding part of the seal 1. This will result in apivoting of the supporting element 14, which influences the entirecombined sealing surface 11, 12. The supporting element and the combinedsealing surface 11, 12 is accordingly swung around the substantiallyfixed pivot point 17. Thus, the angle a between the plane A--A and thefirst part surface 11 will successively decrease during the closureprocess of the door 3. When the door is completely closed, theprotruding part, i.e. the second part surface 12, of the seal 1 hasswung in at an angle substantially corresponding to angle α and hencealso the first part surface 11 of the sealing surface adjacent the doorpillar. This part 11 of the sealing surface is now substantiallyparallel to the plane A--A and seals actively against the rear surface31 of the door 3.

FIG. 4 shows in perspective view the seal 1 together with a lock hook 4.The lock hook 4 and the seal 1 co-operate in such a way that by securingthe lock hook by means of attaching elements through the holes 41, theseal 1 is also attached in a sealing manner at a pre-determinedlocation. The lock hook 4 consists of a base plate 42 and a part 43protruding therefrom. The protruding part 43 is provided with anaperture 44 in which the working mechanism (not shown) of the lockingarrangement is inserted at co-operation.

FIG. 5 shows the seal 1 and the lock hook 4 seen in a first verticalplane, which plane is parallel to the longitudinal direction of thevehicle. It is hereby apparent that the bent final part 19 of the basepart 10 only forms a limited part of the total extension of the sealalong its front edge.

FIG. 6 is a view in a second vertical plane of the arrangement accordingto the invention and a lock hook 4 where the vertical plane isperpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It appearsfrom FIGS. 5 and 6 that the part 11 of the combined sealing surface 11,12 which does not protrude presents a larger sealing surface than thepart 12 which does protrude.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a seal 1 according to theinvention. The figure is a schematic section through a seal according tothe invention and shows that an area 16 which is made up of 6-sidedcells is used as a reinforcing element around which the outer frame 14can pivot. This reinforcing element 16 is in the preferred embodimentcompressible and elastic. The supporting element 14 is not rigidlyattached at a certain pivot point 17 to this element, but can be allowedto perform small movements.

It is evident for the man skilled in the art that the above shownembodiments are only examples and consequently do not limit theinvention. Although the seal in these examples has been shown anddescribed only in combination with door locks for motor vehicles, theman skilled in the art will realize that other fields are imaginable,such as with different types of inspection holes or elsewhere where anannular sealing is desirable and where two of the surf aces that are tobe sealed are displaced in two substantially parallel planes at themoment of closing. As has already been mentioned, the seal 1 is suitablyintegrated with the lock hook 4 so that no special adjustment of theseal is required and this is carried out in connection with the mountingand adjusting of the lock hook.

The invention is not limited to only mechanical solutions as shown butit is even conceivable to use it as a separate protruding part, i.e. apart which is separate from the seal, which through influence, whenclosing initiates activation of components, for example valves whichopen and permit pressured air to flow which in its turn can influencethe seal to resume its active position.

The man skilled in the art will further realize that the expression"substantially parallel" relating to the given plane A--A and the firstpart surface 11 of the combined sealing surface in the active positionmust be given a wide interpretation. What is important is not to alignthis second surface compared to the first one, but that the sealingsurface comes into abutment against the surface surrounding the lock. Itis important that the seal 1 in its non-influenced position permits thedoor to approach its closed position without making contact between thefirst part surface 11 of the combined sealing surface and the surfaceagainst which it in its active position shall seal off, primarily toavoid squeezing and wearing influence at said first part surface 11.This has above been exemplified in connection with a vehicle where twoof the surfaces 21, 31 are substantially parallel. In spite ofdeviations from this parallelism the invention satisfies its objects.

Further it is realized that the angle β is completely dependent on theconfiguration of the door and can be accordingly varied as required.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seal affixed to a surface on a first part foreffecting a sealing contact between said surface and a surface on asecond part when said first part and said second part are in apredetermined position with respect to each other, said first and secondparts being moveable in relation to each other towards and away fromsaid predetermined position, whereby at least a region of said surfaceon said first part defines a plane substantially parallel to which aregion of said surface on said second part moves when approaching saidpredetermined position, said seal comprising;i) a base part attached tosaid surface on said first part; ii) an annular combined sealing surfacecomprising a first part surface and a second part surface, said firstand second part surfaces intersecting at an intersection region at afirst angle, and iii) an annular flexible element connecting said basepart with said annular combined sealing surface,said seal being arrangedsuch that when said first part and said second part are not in saidpredetermined position, said first part surface of the combined sealingsurface forms a second angle in relation to said plane, and that in saidpredetermined position, said second part surface of said combinedsealing surface is acted upon by a portion of said second part tothereby cause said first part surface of said combined sealing surfaceto adopt a position substantially parallel to said plane such that anarea of said surface on said second part is sealingly enclosed by saidcombined sealing surface.
 2. The seal as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid seal further comprises a supporting element carrying said combinedsealing surface and a hinging arrangement having a pivot point aboutwhich said supporting element and said combined sealing surface canpivot with respect to said base part of said seal.
 3. The seal asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said hinging arrangement is arranged at saidintersection region of said first and second part surfaces of saidcombined sealing surface.
 4. The seal as claimed in claim 3, whereinsaid hinging arrangement comprises at least one reinforcement whichextends between said base part and said supporting element.
 5. The sealas claimed in claim 4, wherein said pivot point is disposed in thevicinity of said combined sealing surface.
 6. The seal as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said supporting element and said reinforcement are anintegrated element, with said pivot point being defined by a weakeningat a transition between said supporting element and said reinforcement.7. The seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible element isbellow-shaped and is made of rubber.
 8. The seal as claimed in claim 5,wherein said reinforcement is a separate element which is adhesivelyattached to said base part.